Kushner: US Leveraged Israeli Strike on Hamas in Doha for Gaza Deal

The United States exploited Israel's international isolation following a September 9, 2025, strike on Hamas leadership in Doha to push for a Gaza agreement, according to former US Special Envoy Jared Kushner. Speaking via video link at the Yalta European Strategy conference in Kyiv on September 13, Kushner described the Israeli attack in Qatar's capital as a "terrible thing" and a "failed operation" that led to Israel's global isolation.

"We used that dynamic to push the Israelis toward a deal," Kushner stated. He indicated that while Israel was initially uncomfortable with Washington's proposed terms, they are now "very pleased" with the outcome. The Israeli Air Force targeted a building in Doha where Hamas leaders were discussing a US ceasefire proposal. While senior Hamas figures survived, several security guards were killed.

A ceasefire agreement was signed on October 9, 2025, leading to the return of 48 hostages, both living and deceased, from Gaza. Kushner asserted the deal ultimately benefited both Israel and the residents of Gaza. He noted that a new administration is forming in Gaza and is expected to take control after progress on disarming the territory.

Kushner previously suggested that Israel's election campaign was delaying US plans for Gaza's future, stating that while the US and Israel shared a vision for Gaza's end state, internal Israeli politics made them "somewhat irrational" on certain issues. In mid-August 2026, Kushner met with Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya in Egypt, alongside Mohammed Dahlan, to advance the Trump administration's roadmap. Hamas reportedly agreed to a second-phase plan involving Israeli troop withdrawal, increased humanitarian aid, the establishment of a Gaza management committee, and reconstruction.